What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is classified as a long-standing physical disorder that is slow to develop. The most common      sources of chronic pain usually stem from problems in the bones, joints and ligaments and include conditions like arthritis, cancer, bone disease and hip dysplasia.

                                     Pain Management for Pets
Managing your pet’s pain is usually the first step in treatment. Some of the most common forms of pain      management include:

                                     1) Physical therapy
                                     2) Drug therapy
                                     3) Surgery (for advanced cases only).

                                   Home Remedies for Pain Relief
 Some home remedies are available for anyone wishing to help their furry friend overcome pain at home. The most common are:

                                   Massage: Massage for cats and dogs is a new and growing field. The benefits of massage
                                     include:

                                     1) Relaxing your pet
                                     2) Soothing tired and sore muscles
                                     3) Speeding recovery from injuries and surgery
                                     4) Enabling you to find abnormal lumps and growths on your pet’s body.
 
 

To massage your dog or cat, start by gently rubbing its ears and work your way towards its tail. Check for any strange lumps and skin problems as you go. Massage offers a wonderful opportunity to bond with you pet.

Exercise: Monitoring your pet’s exercise helps you identify activities that cause pain. If you notice that your active dog or cat is slowing down during routine physical tasks, you can reduce the exercise in order to prevent strain and physical discomfort.

Overweight cats and dogs are more susceptible to arthritis than their lighter counterparts. By providing an overweight pet time to exercise, you will be able to help reduce the risk of arthritic pain.

Diet: Monitoring your dog or cat’s diet can diminish the chance of arthritis developing  in your pet. Obese pets place more strain on their joints and bones when they walk and are in a high-risk group for conditions such as arthritis and degenerative bone disease. Regulating your furry friend’s food intake will give you a better chance of preventing arthritis and keeping your pet pain free.

 Always consult your veterinarian before you begin any treatment program for your animal. Your vet will be able to properly diagnose the cause of your pet’s discomfort and will develop an appropriate treatment schedule.